Transfer of files faster than Firewire/Target Disk mode...way faster!

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Level 3

520 points

Transfer of files faster than Firewire/Target Disk mode...way faster!

Well, new Macbook 2.4... connected it to my iMac with a standard Ethernet (Cat 5) cable. Turned 'File Sharing' on in System Preferences 'Sharing' pane on both computers. Selected the file/folder/volume I wanted to share/access and viola'! This transfer method was like lightning! Easily twice as fast as Firewire 400. Doesn't solve DV import problem or troubleshooting but for the transfer of files, awesome and easy.

Here's some info on how to proceed. http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1549

20" iMac G5, 2Ghz ALS, 2GB Ram, 400GB HD - 12" Powerbook 1.5 Ghz, 1.25GB Ram, Mac OS X (10.5)

Posted on Oct 20, 2008 6:57 PM

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Answer 1

JaideepL

Level 1

0 points

Oct 20, 2008 7:15 PM in response to Applewiz

Thanks, Applewiz.

Can I get around the DV import problem by connecting my HDV camcorder (which is FW only) to import files into my iMac and then use an ethernet cable to transfer the files over to the MB for editing when I'm travelling? I guess it still leaves the problem of how to export the edited HDV back to the iMac and then tape an archive copy back to the camcorder!

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Answer 2

Oct 20, 2008 7:24 PM in response to Applewiz

FireWire 400 is called that because it's (theoretically) capable of transferring files at 400Mbps (four hundred megabits per second). The Ethernet port in any Mac from the past five or six years has a Gigabit Ethernet port capable of transferring data at 1,000Mbps. So, it's not a surprise that Ethernet between two recent Macs would go much faster than FireWire 400.

-Doug

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Answer 3

Applewiz Author

Level 3

520 points

Oct 20, 2008 7:37 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Not sure why you're repeating what I said... Just wanted to calm some of the users, new and old alike, that there is a tried and true faster method for transferring files from Mac to Mac. Hopefully this will ease the mind of anyone looking to buy a new Macbook and their only concern is sharing files or tranfering them.

I am proof, no "theories" necessary. It literally was more than twice as fast.

To the other poster... no you will not be able to transfer video this way. Sorry.

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Answer 4

Oct 20, 2008 7:46 PM in response to Applewiz

Sorry, I thought I was helping by supplying some specifics about FireWire and Ethernet file transfers. Neither FireWire nor Ethernet ever actually transfers files at the "theoretical" maximum. No one outside of a clean room with pristine hardware can actually reproduce the maximum transfer speeds of either FireWire or Ethernet.

-Doug

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Answer 5

Applewiz Author

Level 3

520 points

Oct 20, 2008 7:55 PM in response to Douglas McLaughlin

Hey Doug, thanks for the tech specs. Seriously. So, here's a little tip I noticed as well. When transfer a large file over say 100 mbs, it was much faster "Compressing" the folder (right click or control click) to make a .zip file. Not sure why this is/was but it helped a large folder transfer faster. Then just double click to decompress. I am kind of enjoying this reversion back to Ethernet/File Sharing... I was bored with Target Disk Mode...LOL> Good luck all and this Macbook is truly amazing. I hope everyone gets one in time and all of us can adjust to the changes.

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